» Why Is the Cornea Important?

The cornea:

• Allows light to enter the eye

• Plays a major role in focusing vision

• Protects the eye from dust, germs, and injury

Any damage or infection of the cornea can cause severe pain and sudden vision problems.

» Common Causes of Corneal Ulcer

Corneal ulcers are most commonly caused by:

🔹 Infections

• Bacterial infection (common in contact lens users)

• Fungal infection (after injury with soil/vegetation)

• Viral infection (Herpes Simplex)

• Parasitic infection (Acanthamoeba)

🔹 Other Causes

• Eye injury or foreign body

• Improper contact lens use

• Severe dry eye

• Vitamin A deficiency

• Long-term steroid eye drop use

• Weak immunity or diabetes

» Symptoms of Corneal Ulcer

Symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen quickly:

• Severe eye pain

• Redness of the eye

• Blurred or reduced vision

• White or grey spot on the cornea

• Excessive watering or discharge

• Sensitivity to light

• Swelling of eyelids

🚨 Do not ignore eye pain or redness—early treatment saves vision.

» Who Is at Higher Risk?

You are at higher risk if you:

• Use contact lenses (especially overnight use)

• Have diabetes

• Have dry eyes

• Have eye injury

• Use steroid eye drops without prescription

• Have weak immunity

» How Is Corneal Ulcer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is done through:

• Slit-lamp eye examination

• Corneal staining tests

• Corneal scraping for lab testing (if needed)

Early diagnosis helps identify the exact cause and start targeted treatment.

» Corneal Ulcer Treatment (Overview)

‣ Medical Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the ulcer:

• Antibiotic eye drops – for bacterial ulcers

• Antifungal eye drops – for fungal ulcers

• Antiviral medicines – for viral ulcers

• Pain relief & supportive drops

• Strict avoidance of contact lenses

⏱️ Eye drops may be needed frequently, even hourly in early stages.

‣ Severe or Non-Healing Ulcers

If the ulcer is deep, spreading, or not responding to medicines:

• Hospital admission may be required

• Intensive monitoring is done

• Advanced medical care is provided

‣ Surgical Treatment (If Required)

In advanced cases:

• Therapeutic corneal surgery

• Corneal transplant (to save vision or the eye)

• Procedures to prevent corneal perforation

Early treatment significantly reduces the need for surgery.

» Recovery & Follow-Up

• Vision improves gradually with healing

• Regular follow-ups are essential

• Scarring may occur in deep ulcers

• Early care gives the best visual outcome

Never stop medications without medical advice.

» How to Prevent Corneal Ulcers

• Maintain proper contact lens hygiene

• Never self-medicate eye drops

• Wear eye protection during outdoor work

• Treat dry eyes properly

• Control diabetes

• Seek immediate care for eye injury or redness

» When Should You See an Eye Doctor Immediately?

🚨 Seek urgent eye care if you have:

• Severe eye pain

• Red eye with vision loss

• White spot on the eye

• Injury to the eye

• Sudden light sensitivity

Early treatment can save vision.